Abstract

Author(s): Castro Bear, Veronica1; Morales Pacheco, Miguel1; Zuñiga Lemus, Oscar2

Introduction: Obesity has become a public health problem worldwide. Children and adolescents with overweight and obesity have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood, therefore early diagnosis; to correct and prevent this condition is necessary.

Objectives: To estimate the nutritional status of adolescents who attend high school level in the city of Tehuacán Puebla and the possible association of the school they attend (public or private)

Methods: A total of 112 students were analyzed by different anthropometric measurements such as: weight, height, triceps skinfold, arm circumference, and determine the following body dimensions: body mass index, arm muscle area and arm fat area.

Results: By studying the prevalence of overweight and obesity, the results showed that women who goes to private schools have a higher percentage 34.77% compared to 16.66% of those who goes to public schools, about man the percentage is very similar between the two group of study with 31% for private schools and 33.33% in public schools. Regarding to above the norm caloric reserve showed highest prevalence in students from private schools for both genders.

Discussion: The results suggest a prevalence of overweight and obesity in students of both genders, although this disease is higher in students attending private schools.

Conclusions: The higher Values above the norm in terms of body mass index and fat arm area was from Students that attends private schools, and it can have an impact to the socioeconomic factor.